501 Basic Principles and Characteristics of Behavior - EDC-X754Y

Course Description

Credit Validation for Optimus Education Participants Only

This course covers the following certifications: QASP, QBA, and IBA.

• QASP501 – This is the first of four 45-hour courses required for certification by QABA®.
• QBA601 – This is the first of six 45-hour courses required for certification by QABA®.
• IBA701 – This is the first of six 45-hour courses required for certification by IBAO®.

This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of applied behavior analysis (ABA), preparing students to apply behavioral principles in various settings, including homes, residential facilities, and clinical environments. It is designed to support individuals working with diverse populations, including those with developmental disabilities and emotional or behavioral challenges.

The course satisfies 35 hours of Core Principles of ABA and 10 hours of Antecedent Interventions. Content areas covered in each lesson are detailed in the syllabus.

This course incorporates instructional strategies from behavior analysis, including elements of the Keller Method, frequent assessments, feedback through “probes,” and adult learning methodologies to enhance student engagement and comprehension.

Learner Outcomes

• Identify and define key terms in applied behavior analysis, including behavior, response, environment, and reinforcement
• Differentiate between respondent (classical) conditioning and operant conditioning models
• Apply behavioral principles to real-world settings using evidence-based approaches
• Explain and provide examples of establishing operations, contingency functional relationships, extinction, and generalization
• Outline the 7 dimensions of applied behavior analysis

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Optimus Education Participants.

Course Materials:

• Text, Applied Behavior Analysis by John Cooper, Timothy Heron, William Heward available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Behavior Analysis for Lasting Change 4/E by G. Roy Mayer, Beth Sulzer-Azaroff, Michele Wallace available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways. These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

• Home Page: Optimus Ed - Rethinking Education
• Sign up to enroll: Basic Principles and Characteristics of Behavior

2. Complete all course work with Optimus Ed.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

3. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

4. Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to pce-cv@sandiego.edu after enrolling for credit and completing the course.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports Certificate : Register for All 6 Course & Add Certificate Fee For Certificate
• Online Credit Validation Courses for Educators : Courses - Choose One or More